Seven Black Women Among Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women....

Le Moor · (#1 (**permalink**))

Seven Black Women Among Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women

Last year’s listing of the Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women celebrated a total of four black women. Of those four, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Oprah Winfrey (Chairman, Harpo), and Prime Minister Luisa Diogo (Mozambique) have returned to the 2006 list. They are joined this year by four more powerful black women: Renetta McCann (Chief Executive, Starcom MediaVest Group), President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (Liberia), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Minister of Foreign Affairs (Nigeria), and Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller (Jamaica).

While there are countless powerful black women who are deserving of our praise, these women in particular have been truly exceptional. Whether we agree with their politics or not, one thing is certain: these sisters have persevered in a world where the chips were stacked against them. Let us hope that they will continue to use their power to lead with wisdom, character, compassion, and fearlessness; our younger generations of beautiful black sisters depend on it.
#2 Condoleezza Rice

As his ratings collapse largely due to the progress of the Iraq war, U.S. President George W. Bush increasingly seeks counsel from one of his closest advisers, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, 51. A pragmatist now quite familiar with the halls of power, Rice is America's top diplomat and has demonstrated growing influence over U.S. foreign policy in Bush's second term, defending Bush's policies around the globe. A foreign policy realist who favors face-to-face negotiations, Rice made a surprise visit to Beirut in an attempt to hammer out a ceasefire agreement in the recent fighting in the Middle East, and she is working to defang Iran and North Korea, both intent on stepping up their nuclear programs. In fact, Rice is an inveterate globetrotter, racking up nearly a half million miles so far this year visiting dozens of countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Rice's message is one of "transformational democracy," a political philosophy she laid out in a speech at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service in January. It states that the U.S. will "work with our many partners around the world to build and sustain democratic, well-governed states that will respond to the needs of their people." Rice won rave reviews recently for her piano performance at Asian security talks in Kuala Lumpur. She has hinted that her next career move may be in music, rather than a rumored presidential run. —Tatiana Serafin

#14 Oprah Winfrey

With an estimated net worth of over $1 billion, an Academy Award nomination, an Emmy-winning hit television show, successful magazines ( O, The Oprah Magazine, along with O at Home) and a cable channel (Oxygen Media, which she co-founded), Winfrey is an international media phenomenon. Earlier this year, Winfrey expanded her empire even further when she announced an exclusive three-year agreement with XM Satellite Radio to launch the Oprah & Friends channel. Winfrey is also a vocal advocate for the education and protection of women and children around the world; she promotes giving to those in need via Oprah's Angel Network and her personal charity, The Oprah Winfrey Foundation. Last year, The Oprah Winfrey Show launched an initiative to highlight the stories of victims and survivors of child predator crimes, posting a watch list of fugitives on Oprah.com. —Suzanne Hoppough

#27 Renetta McCann

Starcom MediaVest is the media communications agency for those who abide by the principle that image is everything. McCann heads up the U.S. and Canadian operations for one of the world's top five media agencies. Her company buys about $18 billion a year in media time for companies like Coca-Cola and General Motors. McCann is also on the board of Publicis Groupe Media, which directs the media networks of Publicis Groupe, the owner of Starcom. A recipient of numerous media and industry honors, McCann is also a board member of Chicago United, which aims to improve race relations and business opportunities for minorities. —Erika Brown

#51 Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

Sirleaf, Africa's first female president, beat popular soccer player George Weah to the post last November. That was the easy part. A longtime politician, Sirleaf, 66, now has to contend with putting her country back together after a 14-year civil war that left the capital Monrovia in near ruins. She must also deal with government mismanagement that has all but destroyed Liberia's economy. A first step to healing wounds will be the trial of the former president and ex-warlord Charles Taylor; he has already been transferred to The Hague on war crimes charges. Sanctions against timber exports—exports used by the previous government to fund its war campaigns—have been lifted. Sirleaf has also traveled to the U.S. to foster trade in other sectors. But some constituents are getting impatient, calling for faster reform. No doubt the "Iron Lady," as Sirleaf is known, will meet their challenge. —Tatiana Serafin

#62 Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

In a cabinet reshuffle in June, Okonjo-Iweala moved from her post as finance minister to foreign affairs, but nonetheless remains in charge of the economic team of the oil-rich nation, the most populous in Africa. Okonjo-Iweala, 52, a former World Bank official and economist, is known for her prudent debt management and calls for fiscal discipline. Okonjo-Iweala led the negotiations that resulted in cancellation of nearly two-thirds, $18 billion, of Nigeria's $30 billion Paris Club debt, the second largest debt cancellation in the Paris Club's 30-year history. Okonjo-Iweala is now supervising the withdrawal of Nigerian troops from the southeastern Bakassi Peninsula and the transfer of the disputed territory to Cameroon. Nigeria is now abuzz with talk of her anticipated presidential run in the 2007 general election. —Tatiana Serafin

#83 Luisa Diogo

Diogo, 48, has become increasingly vocal in taking rich nations to task for not following up on aid, trade and debt relief promises to Africa. "It is no country's destiny to be poor," she has said. Diogo may be positioning herself for a run for her country's presidency in 2009. In the interim, she is dealing with ruffled feathers over a controversy involving property acquired by her son, which was subsequently rented to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for a sweet $3,000 a month. A local businessman, Faruk Gadit, says the building belonged to him and should never have been sold by the state. Despite the dustup, Diogo has won kudos for helping turn around one of the world's poorest countries. —Tatiana Serafin

#89 Portia Simpson Miller

This Caribbean nation's first female prime minister was elected in February as the candidate of the People's National Party. A longtime government official who was born into rural poverty, Simpson Miller formerly oversaw tourism, labor, community development, local government and social security affairs for the island. As sports minister, she oversaw Jamaica's first foray into soccer's World Cup, and as tourism minister, she dealt with a decimated travel industry following the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. In her inaugural address, Simpson Miller vowed to fight corruption, support the poor with economic programs and ensure individual liberty. The popular prime minister now must lead her party to victory in the upcoming parliamentary elections next year. —Chana Schoenberger

Mezmerized · (#2 (**permalink**))

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#2 Condoleezza Rice

As his ratings collapse largely due to the progress of the Iraq war, U.S. President George W. Bush increasingly seeks counsel from one of his closest advisers, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, 51. A pragmatist now quite familiar with the halls of power, Rice is America's top diplomat and has demonstrated growing influence over U.S. foreign policy in Bush's second term, defending Bush's policies around the globe. A foreign policy realist who favors face-to-face negotiations, Rice made a surprise visit to Beirut in an attempt to hammer out a ceasefire agreement in the recent fighting in the Middle East, and she is working to defang Iran and North Korea, both intent on stepping up their nuclear programs. In fact, Rice is an inveterate globetrotter, racking up nearly a half million miles so far this year visiting dozens of countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Rice's message is one of "transformational democracy," a political philosophy she laid out in a speech at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service in January. It states that the U.S. will "work with our many partners around the world to build and sustain democratic, well-governed states that will respond to the needs of their people." Rice won rave reviews recently for her piano performance at Asian security talks in Kuala Lumpur. She has hinted that her next career move may be in music, rather than a rumored presidential run. —Tatiana Serafin

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Only a mentally ill African would celebrate the achievement of this bitch!:P

#14 Oprah Winfrey

With an estimated net worth of over $1 billion, an Academy Award nomination, an Emmy-winning hit television show, successful magazines ( O, The Oprah Magazine, along with O at Home) and a cable channel (Oxygen Media, which she co-founded), Winfrey is an international media phenomenon. Earlier this year, Winfrey expanded her empire even further when she announced an exclusive three-year agreement with XM Satellite Radio to launch the Oprah & Friends channel. Winfrey is also a vocal advocate for the education and protection of women and children around the world; she promotes giving to those in need via Oprah's Angel Network and her personal charity, The Oprah Winfrey Foundation. Last year, The Oprah Winfrey Show launched an initiative to highlight the stories of victims and survivors of child predator crimes, posting a watch list of fugitives on Oprah.com. —Suzanne Hoppough

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Good for her, and good news for charities who can get on her listniceone.gif

#27 Renetta McCann

Starcom MediaVest is the media communications agency for those who abide by the principle that image is everything. McCann heads up the U.S. and Canadian operations for one of the world's top five media agencies. Her company buys about $18 billion a year in media time for companies like Coca-Cola and General Motors. McCann is also on the board of Publicis Groupe Media, which directs the media networks of Publicis Groupe, the owner of Starcom. A recipient of numerous media and industry honors, McCann is also a board member of Chicago United, which aims to improve race relations and business opportunities for minorities. —Erika Brown

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Don't know much about the lady so i can't say much. But from the above mini intro, she sounds mighty smart.

#51 Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

Sirleaf, Africa's first female president, beat popular soccer player George Weah to the post last November. That was the easy part. A longtime politician, Sirleaf, 66, now has to contend with putting her country back together after a 14-year civil war that left the capital Monrovia in near ruins. She must also deal with government mismanagement that has all but destroyed Liberia's economy. A first step to healing wounds will be the trial of the former president and ex-warlord Charles Taylor; he has already been transferred to The Hague on war crimes charges. Sanctions against timber exports—exports used by the previous government to fund its war campaigns—have been lifted. Sirleaf has also traveled to the U.S. to foster trade in other sectors. But some constituents are getting impatient, calling for faster reform. No doubt the "Iron Lady," as Sirleaf is known, will meet their challenge. —Tatiana Serafin

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She promised to "make Liberia America's success in Africa"....when an African leader utters such neo-colonialist words, you know she/he is not running a damn ting in her/his own country. Mrs Sirleaf does is most certainly NOT what Liberia and the rest of Africa needs!

#62 Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

In a cabinet reshuffle in June, Okonjo-Iweala moved from her post as finance minister to foreign affairs, but nonetheless remains in charge of the economic team of the oil-rich nation, the most populous in Africa. Okonjo-Iweala, 52, a former World Bank official and economist, is known for her prudent debt management and calls for fiscal discipline. Okonjo-Iweala led the negotiations that resulted in cancellation of nearly two-thirds, $18 billion, of Nigeria's $30 billion Paris Club debt, the second largest debt cancellation in the Paris Club's 30-year history. Okonjo-Iweala is now supervising the withdrawal of Nigerian troops from the southeastern Bakassi Peninsula and the transfer of the disputed territory to Cameroon. Nigeria is now abuzz with talk of her anticipated presidential run in the 2007 general election. —Tatiana Serafin

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Do not be fooled bythe above mini intro......thedamage shes done would be irreparable for decades!

#83 Luisa Diogo

Diogo, 48, has become increasingly vocal in taking rich nations to task for not following up on aid, trade and debt relief promises to Africa. "It is no country's destiny to be poor," she has said. Diogo may be positioning herself for a run for her country's presidency in 2009. In the interim, she is dealing with ruffled feathers over a controversy involving property acquired by her son, which was subsequently rented to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for a sweet $3,000 a month. A local businessman, Faruk Gadit, says the building belonged to him and should never have been sold by the state. Despite the dustup, Diogo has won kudos for helping turn around one of the world's poorest countries. —Tatiana Serafin

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clp)Now we are talking.....she is one of the few African leaders i can bare to listen to for a few minutes.....not there yet, but at least she is doing the grass roots work with the people.....especiallyher policiesin the countryside andAIDSorphans.I have to say the last few Mozambique leaders have been impressive.niceone.gif

#89 Portia Simpson Miller

This Caribbean nation's first female prime minister was elected in February as the candidate of the People's National Party. A longtime government official who was born into rural poverty, Simpson Miller formerly oversaw tourism, labor, community development, local government and social security affairs for the island. As sports minister, she oversaw Jamaica's first foray into soccer's World Cup, and as tourism minister, she dealt with a decimated travel industry following the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. In her inaugural address, Simpson Miller vowed to fight corruption, support the poor with economic programs and ensure individual liberty. The popular prime minister now must lead her party to victory in the upcoming parliamentary elections next year. —Chana Schoenberger

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Well it remains to be seen....so many promises, so much time.....newly elected so we have to wait and see. But if she is the one giving permission to that Bob Marley coin, then she sure knows how to start on a bad foot. Don't this Black politicians hire SMART advisers??confused3I happen to think that a Gravey coin would have helped to give the nation a new revival of a sense of pride....which is essential if she is serious about beating corruption and tackling crime. Alas, i digress.

MarcusGarveyLives · (#3 (**permalink**))

"... Let us hope that they will continue to use their power to lead with wisdom, character, compassion, and fearlessness; our younger generations of beautiful black sisters depend on it ..."

Err ...

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Le Moor · (#4 (**permalink**))

MarcusGarveyLives wrote:

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"... Let us hope that they will continue to use their power to lead with wisdom, character, compassion, and fearlessness; our younger generations of beautiful black sisters depend on it ..."

Err ...

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Amongst the possible negatives, this thread was supposed to have an uplifting agenda to it.

Bredder Tukoma · (#5 (**permalink**))

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Excellent picture. LOL..

TheDogon · (#6 (**permalink**))

What is supposed to be "uplifting" about it LeMoor. What does being on Forbes list accomplish for "Black" people? What does winning a Grammy do? An Oscar?

Have you thought very deeply about this subject?

Le Moor · (#7 (**permalink**))

TheDogon wrote:

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What is supposed to be "uplifting" about it LeMoor. What does being on Forbes list accomplish for "Black" people? What does winning a Grammy do? An Oscar?

Have you thought very deeply about this subject?

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Well doesnt take much thought i would have guessed.

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What it does take is a train of thought. Thattrain of thoughtdoesnt need to to include FORBES being the commondenominator amongst it, doesit?

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However seeing as you asked such a weird question(very weird in my world) its all about positive role models. Granted Denzil Washington is not the answer to Africas ecomonic future but hey im sure most people can get their heads round this small detail.

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Better for our children to win an oscar than to win a place in the local jail dont you think?

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*walks away in despair*

TheDogon · (#8 (**permalink**))

Le Moor wrote:

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Well doesnt take much thought i would have guessed.

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I have no idea what you are talking about.

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What it does take is a train of thought. Thattrain of thoughtdoesnt need to to include FORBES being the commondenominator amongst it, doesit?

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???

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However seeing as you asked such a weird question(very weird in my world) its all about positive role models. Granted Denzil Washington is not the answer to Africas ecomonic future but hey im sure most people can get their heads round this small detail.

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Yep, I would just bet it is "weird" in your world. I asked had you thought very "deeply" about this. I guess this paragraph answers the question.

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Better for our children to win an oscar than to win a place in the local jail dont you think?

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*walks away in despair*

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Despair? What areyou in despair about? I work with kids every damn day. School is back in session, my man. And it's time for me to tutor kids inGeometry/Algebra. Yep,we study that stuff here in the place where people actually do "despair".

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Like Iasked, what the hell does Denzel winning an Oscar have to do with anything? I mean, I guess Denzel is exceptional in that he actually would identify with the children of my neighborhood.I didn't say role models weren't important. But when a childhas a crazed, fruitty, nutty, drugged-out father, mayhap a role model a little closer to home might have a bit more of an effect.

You see, it is an unfortunatefact about my postings. Theyrequire a bit moreattention than just the casual glance you usually give.

MarcusGarveyLives · (#9 (**permalink**))

A year ago, when Africans in America were being described as "refugees" in their own country following Hurricane Katrina, how exactly did Condoleeza Rice's "wisdom, character, compassion, and fearlessness" manifest itself?

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[align=center]Hurricane Katrina "refugees" sat in the streets outside the New Orleans Convention Center waiting to be evacuated[/align]

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[align=center]"Powerful" Condoleeza Rice [/align]